In this episode of The VoiCEE podcast, Agnieszka Wądołowska, deputy editor of Notes from Poland, speaks with Andrea Pető, professor in the department of Gender Studies at Central European University, Vienna, and a doctor of science of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences.

They discuss support among the Polish public for allowing access to abortion up to the 12th week of pregnancy, with the near-total abortion ban still in place, and the symbolic importance and practical impact of the so-called heartbeat decree introduced by Viktor Orbán.

They also talk about the influence of American anti-choice groups on global trends in myreproductive rights laws - including those in Central and Eastern Europe and the trial of a pro-choice activist facing up to three years in prison for giving abortion pills to a pregnant woman.

In this podcast series we are looking at the region from different angles and perspectives, attempting to capture its diversity and understand emerging trends. Above all, we want to give voice to a region that is often talked to rather than listened to.

The VoiCEE is brought to you by The VoiCEE - a network of independent English-language media in Central and Eastern Europe: Notes from Poland, Kafkadesk, Insight Hungary, Internews Ukraine, New Eastern Europe, Reporting Democracy, Transitions, Ukraine World, VSquare.